Subaru Broadens and Enhances Legacy and Outback Lines for 2006
-- New 2.5i powertrain boasts improved performance and fuel efficiency -- New 2.5i PZEV engine debuts as most powerful available in the US -- Outback line adds L.L.Bean Sedan and new six-cylinder wagon
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 5 -- Subaru of America, Inc. broadens and enhances its Legacy and Outback model lines for 2006. Enhancements in fuel economy, power, performance, and feature content are model highlights for the already best-selling All-Wheel Drive cars sold in America today.
New for 2006, all 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engines in 2006 Legacy and Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Limited models offer more performance for 2006. The 2.5-liter engines feature a new i-Active Valve Lift system that boosts horsepower to 175 from 168 previously. The new system also increases peak torque to 169 lb.-ft., up from 166 lb.-ft. and improves vehicle drivability.
Also new for 2006, the Subaru Legacy and Outback become the most powerful Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) available for sale in the U.S. market. Subaru has long been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for producing cleaner vehicles. Utilizing the new i-Active Valve Lift System, the 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine produces 175 horsepower. Unlike most PZEV compliant engines, the new version of the 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine delivers zero evaporative emissions with no loss in horsepower compared with the standard 2.5-liter engines.
2006 Subaru Legacy Model Line
The 2006 Legacy models are among the most powerful and best-equipped cars in their segment - and still the only models in the segment offering Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
The 2006 Legacy 2.5i models gain a more powerful engine, standard 17-inch alloy wheels (replacing 16-inch alloy wheels), larger brakes, an air filtration system and an engine immobilizer security feature. The new 2006 Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Sedan and Wagon models feature a standard eight- way power driver's seat and power moonroof at a value price.
Other enhancements to the Subaru Legacy line reflect shifting customer trends. The Legacy 2.5i Limited models now feature as standard equipment a four-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT control. The luxuriously equipped Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan and Wagon models continue, while the 2.5 GT models, which had featured cloth-trimmed seating and lower equipment content, are discontinued. The 2.5 GT Limited Wagon is now exclusively equipped with a five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT, while the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan continues to offer a choice between the five- speed manual or five-speed automatic.
In addition, a new Subaru Navigation System will be available on several 2006 Legacy models. The DVD-based navigation system uses a seven-inch touch screen panel in the center dash. The navigation system's integrated trip computer replaces the trip computer that's standard on all Legacy models.
The 2006 Subaru Legacy line ranges in price from $21,695 for the manual transmission Legacy 2.5i Sedan to $31,995 for the top of the line, automatic transmission Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan with navigation system.
2006 Subaru Outback Model Line
Two new Subaru Outback models have been added for 2006. The Outback line adds a third six-cylinder wagon model, the Outback 3.0R, and the Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Edition Sedan replaces the Outback 3.0R Sedan to join the Outback L.L.Bean Edition Wagon. In both the Legacy and Outback lines, the 250- horsepower turbocharged / intercooled engine is now available only in the 2.5 GT and 2.5 XT Limited models.
The new 2006 Outback 3.0R Wagon brings the performance of the high-end six-cylinder Outback models to a more accessible price point. This model builds on the extensive standard equipment of the four-cylinder Outback 2.5i model and adds a five-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT, tire pressure monitoring system, dual-zone automatic climate control system, leather-trimmed steering wheel and six-disc CD changer.
The new Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Edition Sedan brings the luxury and exclusive features of the L.L.Bean Edition Wagon to a sport sedan package. All Outback 3.0R models are exclusively powered by a 3.0-liter DOHC six-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine that produces 250-horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 219 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm.
The Outback 2.5 XT Limited is now the sole Outback model powered by the 250-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. The Outback 2.5 XT, which had featured cloth-trimmed seating and lower equipment content, has been discontinued.
For 2006, the Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Limited join the Outback 3.0R models in providing standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 tires (replacing 16-inch alloy wheels). As on the Legacy 2.5i models, the Outback 2.5i models gain a standard air filtration system and engine immobilizer security feature.
The flagship Outback model, the 3.0R VDC Limited Wagon, adds the Subaru Navigation System as standard equipment. The navigation system is offered as an option on the Outback 2.5 XT Limited and the Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Edition models. The navigation system's integrated trip computer replaces the trip computer that's standard on all Outback models.
Pricing on the 2006 Subaru Outback line ranges from $24,795 for the manual transmission Outback 2.5i Wagon to $35,695 for the fully-equipped Outback 3.0R VDC Limited Wagon with automatic transmission and navigation system.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
All Subaru models are equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, providing traction and handling advantages over front- wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles.
All Outback 3.0R models and all turbocharged Legacy and Outback models with the five-speed automatic transmission feature the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version of the system. Exclusive to the flagship Outback 3.0R VDC Limited is Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), an advanced vehicle stability system that controls VTD operation and integrates an electronic four-wheel traction control system.
All versions of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive power all four wheels all the time, and will transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.
Active and Passive Safety
All 2006 Legacy and Outback models are equipped with standard front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. The Subaru Advanced Airbag System uses sensors to detect the presence and weight of a front passenger as well as the driver's distance from the steering wheel. All Subaru Legacy and Outback models provide the peace of mind of a four-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Destination and delivery charges are $625 for all 2005 model year vehicles (Alaska deliveries are $775). Legacy and Outback four-cylinder models (excluding turbo) that meet Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) requirements will be available to dealers in California, New England States, New York and some bordering states. The base MSRP of the PZEV/ SULEV2 models are $200
higher than the federal specification model. Following is the complete price chart for all 2006 Subaru Legacy and Outback models:
2006 Subaru Legacy and Outback Models Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices Model Description 2006 MY MSRP* LEGACY SEDANS Legacy 2.5i Sedan - MT5 $21,695 Legacy 2.5i Sedan - 4EAT-S $22,695 Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Sedan - MT5 $21,995 Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Sedan - 4EAT-S $22,995 Legacy 2.5i Ltd. Sedan - 4EAT-S $25,295 Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. Sedan - MT5 $28,795 Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. Sedan - 5EAT-S $29,995 Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd Sedan w/ NAVI-5EAT-S $31,995 LEGACY WAGONS Legacy 2.5i Wagon - MT5 $22,695 Legacy 2.5i Wagon - 4EAT-S $23,695 Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Wagon - MT5 $23,195 Legacy 2.5i Special Edition Wagon - 4EAT-S $24,195 Legacy 2.5i Ltd. Wagon - 4EAT-S $26,495 Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. Wagon - 5EAT-S $31,195 OUTBACK SEDANS Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Sedan - 5EAT-S $31,295 Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Sedan w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S $33,295 OUTBACK WAGONS Outback 2.5i Wagon - MT5 $24,795 Outback 2.5i Wagon - 4EAT-S $25,795 Outback 2.5i Ltd. Wagon - MT5 $27,595 Outback 2.5i Ltd. Wagon - 4EAT-S $28,595 Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. Wagon - MT5 $30,995 Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. Wagon - 5EAT-S $32,195 Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. Wagon w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S $34,195 Outback 3.0R Wagon - 5EAT-S $28,995 Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Wagon - 5EAT-S $32,495 Outback 3.0R L.L.Bean Wagon w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S $34,495 Outback 3.0R VDC Ltd. Wagon w/ NAVI - 5EAT-S $35,695
*The destination and delivery fee is $625 on all models except in Alaska ($775). Prices shown do not include destination and delivery charges, licenses and state or local taxes. Independent distributor's destination and delivery rates may vary; prices are subject to change without notice. Legacy and Outback four-cylinder models (excluding turbo) that meet Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) requirements will be available to dealers in California, New England States, New York and some bordering states. The base MSRP of the PZEV/ SULEV2 models are $200 higher than the federal specification model.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004.